Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 4/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a boston terrier that will soon be 6 months old. she never jumps on the chair or couch and does not rare up on anything. sometimes she stretches her left back leg out when she is standing, but then puts it down. no pain. when she sits or lays she has her back legs out to the side. What can this be?

ANSWER: Hi Diane - It may be a luxating patella - They can be easy to cure with proper supplements.  If the patella is level 4 or 5 many times they need to correct it with surgery.  MANY dogs are levels 1-3 and NEVER need surgery and correct the Patella ( slip knee cap) by stretching out the back leg... (VERY common maneuver for her to do by putting the leg backwards)
So, Next time you are at the vet talk to them about your concerns.
Again, Many dogs never need surgery for this.  A good Supplement is helpful for any dog with leg problems... ( helps to avoid arthritis)
SEE here:
Supplements offered for joint and knee problems...

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alternative-Medicine-Pets-3721/2008/11/NuVET-Plus-NuJ


I would start your baby onto a good Boston Terrier Supplement:

Next,  give your little Boston kid some NuVET Wafers: Or the NuVET powder....
only about .60 cents per day - if she is under 10 lbs then just 1/2 a wafer per day.

(.30 cents per day for the 1/2 wafer)

NUVET plus will do many things for your kid but Mainly help with JOINTS, Patella ( knees) and hips.... 1000s of Bostons take 1 NuVET per day - always...
Here is the site - learn more:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
YOU can ask for a taste test sample of the NuVET powder or Wafer - They will send you a brochure on the product...
Call 1-800-474-7044 and use Sample order code #81098 ---- tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you.
A 30 count bottle is only 19.00  ( ask them how to get the 15% off Discount Program)



Your VET can do some x-rays but many times they can just FEEL upon Palpation with the hands... They can feel the joint slip.
And the pet just POPS it back by putting the leg backward and a good stretch.


Keep me posted!

Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Will calcium pills also help this condition? Is this why she does not try to rare up on you or jump up on anything.

Answer
No - I would not do calcium supplements- a better choice is the NuVET over anything.
And yes, with a slip knee / trick knee - she will not want to jump up because she knows her knee will skip. They learn quick what they can and can't do.  This is genetic.... ( if this is the diagnosis you vet gives you...)
I am a pet nurse and not a vet, so I am giving you my Best guess.

See a vet and they can diagnosis this for you.

Marie Peppers LPN MA